Boppie

The Boppie is always used in the rocking chairs while reading a story. The girls lay on it and cuddle in our laps. It's great. Even Paige still uses hers. I couldn't use them to nurse, I just couldn't get them in the right position with it, but they are wonderful to use to cuddle & read a story. I went into Hailey's room the other night and found her reading a book in her rocker. She pointed to her Boppie and then to her lap. I put it on her and she resumed reading her book with the Boppie. I have a feeling they will be pillows they take with them to college along with their Snugglies.

Black Friday

My mom and I planned to go shopping at midnight for Black Friday deals, however we had a freak ten minute rain storm around 10:30pm which left everything wet and damp.  With the lower temperatures, us desert dwellers didn't want to venture out.  So we went to bed and decided to go deal hunting today. We took Paige with us.  I wasn't sure how the "event" would go with her in tow.  She did AWESOME!  We shopped for about an hour and she both rode in the stroller and walked a bit.  Always staying close or holding our hands while out of the stroller.  Then when we got in line she snuggled in her stroller with a blanket, her snugglie and her pacifier and laid there like a Super Star!  I brought some books along and some snacks too.  She waited in line for another hour!  I was so proud of her.  Her great, great grandmother who was a master shopper would be proud.  I know she made her Nanny proud too.   (Oh, and yes, I got some great deals!  Had a 15% off coupon and a $10 off coupon on all sale items.  The wait WAS WORTH it.) 

 

PS...It's called Black Friday because in theory it's when retailers go from the "Red" in profits to the "Black" in profits for the year (which is accounting lingo)...despite what some idiots in line were "theorizing" for the label. UGH! 

Thanksgiving 2011

We spent this Thanksgiving at home.  My mom had to work in the afternoon so she came over for breakfast and to help put the turkey in the oven.  It was a great morning.  I cooked most of the meal with Brian's help.  We had turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, peas, rolls, cranberry sauce, & stuffing.  I think if one more carbohydrate were on the table my dietitian brain would explode. I so wanted to put a green salad on the table, but I just don't find that traditional.  I need to remember the jello salad for next year though.  Both girls enjoyed one or two things in the meal, which was awesome, since neither are very good eaters.  I was thrilled. 



Paige liked the cranberry sauce

Hailey liked the sweet potato casserole...

...and loved the whipped cream and pecan pie!

Gingerbread Houses

I had this idea that putting together gingerbread houses would be a good project for the girls on Thanksgiving day.  I got a great deal on a kit at a craft store and started to put it together on the night before Thanksgiving.  Upon unwrapping the box I was scared about what I had gotten myself into. 
However, once I figured it out, it was easy to put the houses together.  I left them undecorated for the girls to do the next day.

 

My mom came over in the morning the next day and helped Paige decorate a few while Hailey napped.  After Hailey got up, the two of them finished.  It was a great craft and one that I would definitely do again.  We delivered the houses to our neighbors and told them how thankful we were to have them.  (However, I made sure to stipulate that they NOT eat them...as there were some extra touches and maybe a few licks while decorating.) 

Sibling Spacing

http://healthland.time.com/2011/11/21/spacing-kids-at-least-two-years-apart-makes-for-smarter-siblings/

I made it a point last night to watch the news since the Congressional Budget Super Committee failed to come to an agreement.  I needed the facts before forming an opinion, however, the reason for no agreement was still the same as always...couldn't compromise or work together.  So my gut opinion was probably right.  Anyway, also in the news broadcast was a blurp about a sibling spacing study and how it affects reading scores.  It appears that the optimum spacing is atleast 24 months for the older sibling to have higher reading scores.  But it stipulated that with parents who can afford good preschool the older sibling does not fall in scores.  So even though the girls are only 20 months apart, hopefully with me being home and reading to them a ton and with Paige in a good preschool she won't be part of the statistics of kids of fall in the lower reading scores category.  Interesting study.  And for the record, I wouldn't change a thing about their spacing...they are not only sisters, but true friends who constantly play, snuggle, look for each other and of course fuss with each other.  It's wonderful. 

Curlers

Tonight began again an at least 63 year old tradition in our family...sponge curlers.  I know my mom and aunt can remember having their Nana put their hair in curlers on Saturday nights for Sunday morning church services.  I can remember my mom putting my hair in curlers for school pictures and special occasions.  Tonight, I put Paige's in curlers just to see how it would look since we are getting our family pictures taken next week.  It was fun putting them in and of course Hailey needed some curlers too. 

However, right before it was time to head to story time, Paige ripped the curlers out.  She actually did have some curl in her hair from the little time she had them in.  I think it would have been really cute if she left them in.  My mom suggested I try it in the day time and tell Paige we will leave them in while she plays.  Ha!  But it's worth a try.   In all, I was just excited to start old traditions with a new set of girls...my own. 

Screaming vs Whining

The 19-24 month stage has it's challenges.  It seems that both of them at this age are learning to talk and doing well at it, but get so frustrated when they can't express in words what they want or need.  We try to ask them to show us, which usually helps.  But when all avenues of communication fail, they react.  With Paige it was with whining.  Luckily Brian's mom was here when it first started and she, using her teacher skills and experienced mom skills, told Paige to use her words.  Which really helped.  With Hailey, when communication fails, she screams.  I try to tell her to use her words, which helps, but, oy, screaming.  So we have a whiner and a screamer.  Makes for a frazzled mom some days.  As much as I love having babies and would love another, I'm glad they are growing and learning to talk and do things for themselves.  It makes things much easier for everyone. 

1st Horse Back Ride

The City of Chandler had a Chuck Wagon CookOff, where groups who own old pioneer chuck wagon compete by preparing a five course meal using the methods they did in the old west.  It was really cool.  They also had horse back rides and a petting zoo.  Both rode horses.  They loved it.  The girls had a ton of fun and it was a great little hour and half family outing.  

Book Titles

Hailey is really starting to communicate more.  In the last few days and nights she has been expressing whether to wants to read a particular book that I pick out or not.  I will say the title and she will say "yes" or shake her head no and if I have it in my hand already she will push it away.  I'm happy that she is forming opinions already, however, I'm the one who has to read the books and I do have my favorites too.  So far her's include several Elmo books, certain ones that have the flaps in them, and a few of the Suzy Zoo books.  Tonight I did manage to slip in the "The Big Red Barn" which is my all time favorite. 

Phase

Paige has entered the phase of wanting to change her clothes multiple times a day and the worst part, besides the laundry, it has to a dress or skirt! It's going to be rough now that the weather has cooled off.   I've tried to explain to her that it's important to wear warm clothes outside and that includes pants.  So far I've been pretty convincing, but her will is strong, so we'll see how long it lasts.  Also, I'm lucky that auntie was here in the last weeks and bought her a couple new dresses.  Wish me luck with this phase!  Always something new.  

Auntie's Visit

My aunt has been here for almost three weeks now.  Se came for Halloween and my mom's birthday.  She loves to play with the girls and take care of them.  I love it when she's here because I get a break.  Here they are last night playing before bed.  Brian was out of town, so she came to help me get them fed and in bed.  So nice!

Nanny's Birthday

We had my mom's birthday party on Wednesday this week.  My aunt made an awesome dinner of steaks, twice baked potatoes and all the other fixings.  It was wonderful...and I didn't have to cook it!  It tasted so good.  My mom got spoiled with nice gifts too and the girls ran around, played with all the animals and messed up Nanny's house very well.  It was a great night. 

"Paige"

Hailey finally said, "Paige" today!  It's so cute.  My aunt was here helping me with the girls since Brian was out of town and we were all at the playground.  I was calling Paige to come up out of the rocks back to the play equipment and Hailey called her too.  Paige heard it and responded!  Yay Hailey! 

Hailey's vocabulary has exploded in the last three weeks.  She's making a ton of connections and saying many new words as well as putting two words together.  It's awesome!  Speaking makes things much easier.  I did teach her a few signs, like "more" and "finished" but actual speaking is great. 

Pumpkin Carving

We carved pumpkins on Sunday afternoon before Halloween on Monday.  We had quite a few of them since we went to so many patches this year.  I had carved different designs when opening the pumpkins so the girls could get "the guts" out and Paige noticed them right away.  She said one looked like a sun, another a flower and another a spider.  Soooo...that's what got carved.  My mom came over too, but she was the one taking pictures so there are none of her.  Brian ended up carving the little pumpkins too.  In all, we had 5 pumpkins this year! 

Halloween 2011

I was too busy being a mom in the moment yesterday and did not get any pictures.  The day started with baking Halloween cookies while watching "It's a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."  I need to remember that shows that I watched as a kid are really not that family friendly for my standards of today.  Lot's of Blockheads" from Lucy, much being mean to Charlie Brown and many, many political innuendos.  The girls lost interest quickly, luckily.  (My favorite show this year was Barney's Halloween Carnival.  Adorable and both really liked that, so much it held their attention for the whole hour.)  After cookie baking it was nap and lunch time.  Paige played in her new sandbox and then it was time to get dressed in costume to Trick or Treat at Dada's office.  Dada does not work in any ordinary office.  There are about 400 people on his floor and almost every cubicle had candy.  We had to stop probably 1/3 of the way through because their bags were full.  They both had a great time and Paige really got the concept of saying "Trick or Treat" to get candy.  Hailey followed along and imitated what Paige did very well. 

For the evening we had a block party on our cul-de-sac and my aunt also came.  Unfortunately Nanny had to work.  My aunt helped to get the girls dressed to protect their knees.  They both had flower dresses (Paige a Sunflower and Hailey a Rose) so they needed pants on under.  I was busy getting food ready to take to the party and Paige desperately wanted to go Trick or Treating with the neighbor kids.  Brian and I were both busy with food and Hailey, so my aunt took Paige with the kids.  She said Paige did so well saying, "Trick or Treat" and of course saying, "Thank you."  Makes me proud!  We had practiced.  Amazing that what I say sometimes really does sink in.  I'm glad my aunt got to take her out for her first official door to door treating, but I'm sad I missed it.  After Trick or Treating, all the neighbor kids played and ran around the circle while the adults talked and consumed some beverages.  It was a great night.

18 mos well check

Hailey had her 18 mos well check last week with the pediatrician this time.  Much better experience than with the NP last time.  I will never make that mistake again for a well check.  Hailey is healthy and growing perfectly along her growth chart. 

Weight:  20 lbs 15 oz = 10%
Height:  32 1/4 in = 75%
Head Circumference:  18 cm = 25%

I pulled Paige's information for the same check.

Weight:  21 lbs 8 oz = 15%
Height:  32 1/2 in = 75%
Head Circumference:  17 3/4 cm = 15%

It appears they are very similar is growth.  Hailey is still a bit taller but Paige with more weight.  Many more years to watch them grow!  Good stuff. 

Soccer

Paige had her first soccer practice today.  It's through Soccertots and they learn basic drills and movements for soccer.  She did fantastic and really seemed to have fun. 

Soccer Stop

Team Cheer

Reptiles

For the Halloween Carnival at Paige's school they had reptiles come in to be shown.  He shared a shink, a rhino iguana, and 2 pythons.  The kids got to touch them too.  Paige was really excited to see them and went right up to pet them.  Very cool experience. 

Waiting to pet iguana

Rhino Iguana

Petting albino python.  16 feet!

2nd Pumpkin Patch

My aunt is here visiting for Halloween and my Mom's birthday.  It's super nice when she comes, not only because we get to see her and visit with her, but also because she will sit with the girls ANYTIME.  On Friday, we all went to a pumpkin patch.  This one was really nice, super clean and for $7 per child they also got a pumpkin.  Plus it had a petting zoo, hayride, bounce houses and a chance to decorate your pumpkin all included in the price.  Loved it.  We will definitely return to this one next year.  In all, everyone had a great time. 

Nanny & Hailey

Auntie and Paige

Decorating pumpkins with Nanny & Auntie

Auntie & Hailey

Nanny & Paige

Nanny & Paige

Auntie & Hailey

Paige

Hailey

PPD

I've debated about posting this subject or not, but feel that if I keep quiet about it, it would not be helpful to others.  So here I am.  I noticed a change in hormones and emotions right away when Hailey began self weaning at 15 months.  It was awful.  My emotions were all over the place.  But I figured it was a natural thing and it would soon go away.  When she finally fully weaned I began an full strength birth control pill because goodness knows, we do not need more children.  I would love to have them, but we don't need them.  As the days and months went by, I was still having strange feelings that were not controllable.  They ranged from complete euphoric happiness to complete depression.  There is absolutely no reason for this, as I have a husband who completely loves and supports me, two beautiful, happy, healthy girls and a family who would do anything for us.  So I was confused by my feelings.  But again, I just thought, oh, I'm tired from lack of sleep and it's just part of being a mom/woman.  Well, the feelings grew worse.  I would pick arguments with Brian for no reason and was just completely unhappy.  "Why?!"  I yelled at myself.  I have no reason for this feeling.  Finally I did a little research and found that post partum depression can occur after weaning even 15 months later!  So I made an appointment with my GYN immediately.  Yes, this was the diagnosis and she gave me some meds to help me feel better.  Also by just telling me it's not my fault, it's not something I can control and it's a natural thing and diagnosis that some women go through made me feel better.  It's a chemical imbalance that needs adjusting.  So, I'm on the road to feeling better.  I still have moments of uncontrol and depression with my emotions, but I definitely am starting to feel more "even" if that makes sense.  No really big highs or lows as often.  The feeling of not having control of how you feel is horrible.  But the support I have from Brian and my family helps.  And, most importantly, it feels good to know that I will be back to normal soon.  As I have EVERYTHING to be happy for.